How do you “Man Up”?

Copyright Dirk Fowler
What does it mean to “Man Up”? How does that work? What does that even mean?

One thought could be that it means to stop acting like a little boy. Whining every time we don’t get what we want. It could mean putting down the video game controller and spending time listening to your wife. Or maybe it means to stop being a lazy slob and get out of the chair and help your wife with all of the house work.

Another thought could be that being a man means to just work 40 hours a week and then come home, flop infront of the TV, and just stay there. Just being the provider is enough for the family. The kids are fine on their own; they’re independent and don’t need Dad. You just need to work your 40 hours to give them a better life than what you had.

Man up by getting down

In my mind, you “man up” by modeling Christ’s heart for all those around you to see. You “man up” by getting on your knees before the Lord and model the sacrificed life for your wife and kids. You “man up” by leading your kids in a life that sets a precedent of how to live a life devoted to Christ.

Pray with your kids, pray with your wife, pray with and for those in your life. Let your kids see you do it. Don’t hide it from them; let them know what you’re doing it and why you’re doing it. Use it as an opportunity to teach them the lessons you’ve learned from Christ.

Yes, I do also believe that “manning up” means to not be a meek man but one that stands firm in his convictions and beliefs; a man that doesn’t skirt responsibility and is diligent in his work. But I believe that you can’t be that kind of man unless you’re first surrendered to Christ and allowing Him to work in you and through you everyday.